According to Rolling Stone magazine, label executives wanted Elton John to record a Christmas album of Motown favourites. John, 59, was outraged at the suggestion, which came after the release of his album Peachtree Road. The singer then decided that it was time to move on.
Elton John said, "Over my dead body will I ever do a Christmas album. Why would I do that when I work with someone who comes up with such great lyrics as (songwriting partner) Bernie Taupin?"
Elton John has singed with Interscope and is working with partner Bernie Taupin to write and record a sequel to Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy. Another project will be a hip-hop album in which John will work with Eminem and Dr. Dre.